System for regional data association and presentation and method for the same

ABSTRACT

A database methodology that concerns the mapping of any arbitrary object into a plurality of regions, enabling the assignment of multiple region-specific attributes thereto and facilitating the concurrent, graphical presentation of any assigned attributes. Attribute storage, manipulation, and presentation are driven by the individual regions and characteristics of the object.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a database methodology, and moreparticularly, to a database methodology for a system to divide anyarbitrary object into a plurality of regions and to facilitate theassignment of certain attributes to such regions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, patients suffering from pain (e.g., chronic pain) havebeen limited to verbal characterizations and/or simple hand-rendereddrawings to identify such critical information as the location, thenature, and the severity of their pain. Of course, suchcharacterizations can vary in as many ways as there are people to conveysuch information. Thus, consistent assessment, diagnosis, and treatmentof like conditions have been historically problematic.

Unfortunately, the introduction of computers and other digital devicesto this area has not lessened the burden on the patient. Moreover, thequalitative value of information from these devices has notsubstantively improved. Specifically, such computers and other digitaldevices function similarly to traditional pen and paper. The user,whether patient or physician, is presented an outline, for example, ofthe human body, and is then asked to draw, circle, or otherwise indicatethe pain-afflicted bodily regions. To this end, reference is made toFIG. 1, which represents but one example of such a user-interface forthese conventional systems.

It is acknowledged that known “electronic” systems offer some improvedfunctionality. In particular, data entry from one patient to another isinherently harmonized, as the patients are constrained by a limitednumber of options in characterizing his/her pain. Moreover, data storageis improved, as the visual images can be readily transmitted as well asstored on long-term and/or transportable storage media.

However, in the context of these known systems, supplied data istypically accepted at a pixel-level basis. Because the resolution of therepresentations (FIG. 1) must typically be great, the size of each datainput is significant. Accordingly, for any measurable number ofpatients, a considerable amount of storage space is required, thusadversely affecting a practitioner's ability to establish astatistically relevant database. Further yet, searches or comparisons ofsuch data can be hindered by the significant quantity of data that canexist (and must be managed) for a given representation.

For purposes of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or the controlledapplication of specific electrical energy to certain spinal nervoustissue to manage the transmission of specialized pain signals throughsuch tissue, it is recognized that some conventional systems correlatepixel-level “pain” data to predetermined “dermatome” regions forpurposes of presentation. For purposes of explanation, painrepresentations 102 drawn on a graphical image of a human figure (e.g.,FIG. 1) are converted to correspond to specific dermatomes 102′ of FIG.2.

Dermatomes are recognized exterior regions of the human body that arerespectively associated with certain spinal nerve roots at particularlongitudinal spinal positions. Particularly, the head and neck regionsare associated with C2-C8; the back regions extends from C2-S3; thecentral diaphragm is associated with spinal nerve roots between C3 andC5; the upper extremities are correspond to C5 and T1; the thoracic wallextends from T1 to T11; the peripheral diaphragm is between T6 and T11;the abdominal wall is associated with T6-L1; lower extremities arelocated from L2 to S2; and the perineum from L4 to S4. By example, toaddress chronic pain sensations that commonly focus on the lower backand lower extremities, a specific energy field can usually be applied toa region between bony level T8 and T10. Correlating “free-form” painrepresentations 102 to specific dermatomes 102′ is intended to assist apractitioner in identifying a longitudinal, vertebral position (i.e.,afflicted nervous tissue) that would likely benefit from an applicationof therapeutic treatment. As can be seen, however, such correlation isnot always accurate. As is common practice, the dermatome-related datais neither stored nor otherwise manipulated in this form but rather isgenerated when needed.

Another negative characteristic of conventional systems is the limitedamount (and quality) of pain-related information recorded andconsidered. In particular, indicating pain relative to a humanrepresentation (e.g., FIG. 1) simply provides relative locationinformation. Any pain characteristics are limited to an intensity value,which is entered through a textual-based, numeric input mechanism 100.

Consequently, a need exists for a database system that enables anobject, whether predisposed to regional division or not, to be mappedinto a plurality of regions, each region being capable of capturingregion-specific and/or object-specific data. With such system, users canconsistently and reliably enter information attributable to any givenregion. Using regionally-consistent, similar objects, this system wouldenable data for any given object to be compared, universally modified,and/or otherwise manipulated among a plurality of sources.

A further need exists for a database system to graphically present, in aconcurrent form, potentially multifarious attributes of any one region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a database structurethat operatively overcomes the shortcomings noted above with respect toknown systems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a databasemethodology that effects a division of a body or structure into aprescribed number of regions, such regions being indexed relative to oneanother.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a databasemethodology that is adapted to associate region-unique attributes aswell as region-common attributes with regional data records.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed to agraphical database. The database includes an object storage portion, amapping portion, a selection portion, and an attribute assignmentportion. In turn, the storage portion operatively stores a predeterminedobject representation. The mapping portion extracts the objectrepresentation from the object storage portion and, graphically,sub-divides the object representation into a plurality of regions, eachregion representing a data-input field. The selection portion is adaptedto allow selection of at least one region of a sub-divided object image,and the attribute assignment portion assigns conditions to selectedregions, whereas the conditions include region-specific information.Each region is adapted to receive a plurality of conditions.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for assigningpositional-specific attributes to an object as well as managing suchattributes in a graphical database. The steps of such method includeproviding a graphical object representation, and dividing the objectrepresentation into a plurality of sub-regions. Each region is agraphical, data-input field. The method further concerns selecting atleast one region for attribute assignment, and selecting an attribute.For a region subject to an attribute, the process further requiresmodifying such regions graphically in a manner to convey that theselected attribute is associated with the selected regions. At least oneregion is adapted to convey visually an association with multipleattributes.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art having reference to the followingspecification together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical interface for a conventional system thatenables entry of pain-related information relative to a predefinedobject;

FIG. 2 illustrates a predetermined object, similar to that of FIG. 1,whereas the object is divided in accordance with recognized dermatomes;

FIG. 3 is a routine to effect a mapping of an object;

FIG. 4 is a posterior view of an object example in a standingorientation;

FIG. 5 is a routine to effect an assignment of object-common andregion-specific attributes to mapped regions of an object;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary screen arrangement in accordance withexecutable software embodying the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a routine to recall and assemble stored object data havingassigned regional attributes;

FIG. 8 is an anterior view of the object example of FIG. 4 in a proneorientation;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the object example of FIG. 4 in a sittingorientation;

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of definable attributes assignable tothe regions of an object;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary database structure; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view of another object example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments, including preferred embodiments, will now bedescribed in detail below with reference to the drawings.

The main components for the system are a general-purpose computer (notshown) and executable software for such computer. The computer iscapable of receiving input via its display (i.e., touch screen) orthrough a mouse or a stylus. While not critical to the invention, thecomputer preferably operates in a Windows™-based environment. Thecomputer should include, or otherwise be connectable to, a display (orother output device) having sufficient resolution to clearly present thevisual information required by the present invention, such informationbeing discussed in greater detail below.

Common to each of the embodiments described herein, the systems of thepresent invention present a modeled object that is formed of at leasttwo sub-regions. The total number of sub-regions (i.e., “regions”) for agiven object defines the object in its entirety, and no two regionsphysically overlap (i.e., in a two-dimensional space). The modeledobject can be visually presented in two-dimensions (i.e., greater thanthree points in a x, y coordinate system) as well as in three-dimensions(i.e., a x, y, z coordinate system).

The number of regions used to model an object is not predefined butrather is selected to provide a sufficient resolution to facilitate thepresentation of certain graphical information attributable to eachindividual region. Of further consideration, the number of regionsshould further place in context and avoid de-valuing the attributes (orconditions) that are assigned to each region—a concept that willdiscussed in the context of the individual embodiments below. Theregions of a given object are statically defined and fixed positionallyrelative to adjacent regions and the object boundaries. Regardless, ascaling factor and/or positional offset can be used and applied to allregions equally to adjust a size and/or an orientation of the object asa whole. Preferably, each region is identifiable by a region-specificcharacteristic, e.g., an alphanumeric designation, a graphical marking,a region boundary shape, or the like.

Demarcating the regions, or “mapping” an object, concerns division of anobject into an appropriate number of regions. In this instance, thecomputer divides the object in a uniform manner based on a predeterminedstandard or a user-supplied standard or in a non-uniform manner based ona user-supplied standard. In a preferred embodiment, the mapped objectis generated each time the object is displayed; however, a mapped objectcould be stored and displayed as a complete image.

As stated above, any given object can be defined by any appropriatenumber of regions. However, for the present system to function in anintended manner for purposes of data manipulation and comparison amongmultiple data sources, each like object must be mapped in an exactmanner so as to provide “regional correspondence” between data sources.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for mapping an object. In Step S1, aregion counter that generates a region count is reset. For this example,the region-specific characteristic, which uniquely identifies eachregion, is a numerical value. In Step S2, data for generating a regioncorresponds to the present region count is extracted from a memory ofthe computer. The extracted data corresponds, for example, a positionwithin the object and a shape for the specific region. The subjectregion is positioned within the object in Step S3, this positioningtypically takes the form of drawing the region of the object inaccordance with the data extracted in Step S2. The regions arepositioned within a fixed boundary—an outline of the object, which alonggraphically portrays the object. Further to this step, scaling oroffsets are universally applied to each region when the object issubjected to any such modification. In Step S4, a determination is madewhether any remaining regions are to be added to the object. If yes,Steps S2 through S4 are repeated. If not, the generation routine iscompleted.

Each region serves as a vehicle to assign or otherwise attribute certainconditions specifically related to that region, whether region-specificor common to the object. Of course, the conditions are a function of thesubject matter that a user desires to be attributed to the object, andmore particularly, a region of the object. The conditions available to auser are preferably predetermined. When related to a specific region,the conditions (or attributes) are visually represented by graphicaldescriptions (e.g., patterns, colors, multi-dimensional representations,etc.) and/or textual information.

For “assigning” a condition to a region, reference is made to FIGS. 4and 5. In FIG. 4, an object 400 is shown having a plurality of regions1-82. In this particular illustration, region 14, region 61, and region65 are shown having particular attributes. Of note, each of theattributes is different—based on different patterns—and distinguishablefrom the background state of the remaining regions. FIG. 5 shows onetechnique for assigning different attributes to the regions of anobject.

For this operation, an object, e.g., object 400, with its regionalsubdivisions would be visually presented to a user. The user is offeredspecific conditions that are a function of the object (e.g., 502 of FIG.6; 200 and 202 of FIG. 10). The quantity of conditions, assignment ofvisual properties of such condition, and sequence of attribute access islargely arbitrary. In determining the specific definition of theseconditions, one or more of the following actions may prove valuable:providing sufficient definitional variation for the conditions,articulating the visual properties of the conditions based on theresolution of the object (and its regions), and scaling the conditionsso that all available conditions are sufficiently displayedsimultaneously (FIG. 6). Of further consideration, to enable a properregion-to-region correlation between like objects having like regionalmappings, visual properties and sequence of attribute access must remainconsistent across such implementations.

In reference to FIG. 5, in Step S10 a decision is made as to whethercertain conditions are attributable to all regions. If yes, the userselects one or more conditions (Step S1), and such selected conditionsare attributed to all the regions (Step S12). The flow then advances toStep S13.

If the answer to such decision of Step S10 is “no,” the user is asked toselect one (or more) specific regions (Step S13). The computerrecognizes the regions being selected based on (i) a relative positionof a virtual pointer with respect to the display or (ii) a peripheral(e.g., touch screen) output signal. With specific regions selected, theuser selects one or more conditions attributable to the selected regions(Step S14). Selection of conditions involves “clicking” on graphicrepresentations 502 (FIG. 6; 200 and 202 of FIG. 10) of the availableconditions displayed relative to the object and/or entry oftextual-related data 508 (FIG. 6).

In Step S16, values representative of the conditions assigned in StepsS12 and S16 are respectively combined into a composite value. While acomposite value is not critical to the present invention, the formationof a composite value enables improved data management and control overthe “physical” characteristic(s) of the respective region-specificcondition values (e.g., length, data arrangement, etc.). Indirectly,controlling the physical characteristic(s) of each regional conditionvalue facilitates additional practical benefits, for example,potentially reducing storage requirements for a plurality of records,providing predictability for storage requirements, and the like.

In Step S17, the regions subject to an assigned condition(s) aregraphically altered to convey that certain conditions have been assignedthereto. To illustrate this, reference is made to FIG. 4, where thevisual appearances of regions 1, 61, and 65 have been modified.Similarly, the left leg of the human image of FIG. 6 includes aplurality of “modified” regions.

Upon receiving an instruction that data entry is complete (Step S17),the supplied data is subject to being stored (Steps S19 and S20), andthe user is then returned to a principal routine, which is generallyresponsible for effecting execution of the appropriate subroutines.

As an alternative approach to the method described above, Step S13 canbe disregarded. In its place, the user could select and “drag” agraphical representation of an applicable condition to an individual,non-selected region or to a group of previously selected regions.

As another alternative, Step S13 can again be disregarded. For thismethod, once a condition is selected, the user is provided with avirtual drawing implement (i.e., a pointer or the like) when a displayedcursor (or stylus) is positioned relative to regions of the displayedobject subject to receiving conditional attributes. The user is thenallowed to freely “paint” those regions that may be characterized by theselected condition. The computer then normalizes the input data relativeto the regions of the object. Concerning such normalization, thecomputer graphically compares all “painted” pixels to the underlyingpixels that form the regions of the object. The computer compares apercentage of occupation of each affected region to a predeterminedthreshold value (e.g., 30%). Accordingly, for any given region, if thepercentage of occupation exceeds the threshold value, such region as awhole is “selected,” and it is attributed the selected condition.

Data storage occurs upon indication by the user, for example, byselecting the “save patient data” option 510 of FIG. 6 (Steps S19 andS20 of FIG. 5). Records are indexed by the object subject (e.g., patientname, geographic location, etc.), and any assigned conditions for suchobject are recorded on a regional basis as a part of such record.Object-based records (i.e., “object records”) include a field for eachregion, such field being individually identifiable by the respectiveregion-specific characteristics. Within each field, it is possible tostore all conditions of the corresponding region. It is furtherpreferable that each field be capable of maintaining previous recordsconcerning conditions (or the lack of conditions) attributable to suchfield in the past. Likewise, each field may also include links to othersupporting databases (i.e., condition indexes, selection text, imagerydatabases for supplying visual attributes used to present theconditions). If such links are provided, a pseudo-relational databasenetwork is established.

Since values representing different conditions are stored, and not thegraphical representations of such values, searching for certainconditions is easily performed through comparisons of values rather than“presentation specifics.” Pixel level comparisons, which are commonplacewith conventional systems, require considerable memory resources andsignificant time to execute. In contrast, value, or text-based,assessments are far simpler, whereas in the context of the presentinvention, each object record to be searched is evaluated by consideringeach regional field within the object record or, more preferably,considering only those regional fields objectively considered relevant.

Entering a search request can occur through comparing two like objectrecords or through user-entry of a textual search term. Alternatively,the graphical user interface of this application could provide “searchgraphics,” which visually resemble conditions (or potential conditions)assignable to an object. While certainly offering a simplified optionfor the user, the computer would be required to convert any searchgraphic input to a corresponding value, this value then takes the formof a user-made textual input and a search is performed in a mannerconsistent with the above general description.

FIG. 7 illustrates a routine for recalling and assembling stored data.

Once an object record has been properly identified and requested, aregion counter is reset in Step S30. In Step S31, data for generating aregion corresponding to the present region count is extracted from amemory of the computer, such data corresponding to, for example, aposition within the object and a shape for the specific region. Thesubject region is positioned within the object in Step S32, thispositioning typically takes the form of drawing the region within theobject in accordance with the data extracted in Step S31. As the regionsare reproduced, scaling or offsets, if any, are universally applied toeach region. In Step S33, stored condition values are extracted. Thevalues correspond to those conditions, if any, that were previouslyassigned to the specific region in accordance with the routine of FIG.5.

After Step S33, the extracted values are assessed in the decision stepof Step S34. If null values are identified (i.e., “0”) and additionalregions are required to be processed, the region counter is incrementedin Step S37 and Steps S31-S34 are repeated. If values other than nullvalues are identified in Step S34, the subject region is visuallymodified in accordance with the extracted condition value(s) in StepS35. When the last region is completed (“Y” in Step S36), the subroutineis completed.

The steps of FIG. 7 concern the presentation of an object having asingle record that affects one or more of the regions of the object.However, if the object record includes multiple records (i.e.,historical data that is distinguishable based on recording times), thena user will be provided an opportunity to select one of such records fordisplay (e.g., “reference date” option 504 of FIG. 6). In furtherance ofthis concept, the steps of FIG. 7 can be further modified for an objectpossessing multiple records to automatically and sequentially presenteach of the records of the object. If multiple records correspond todifferent recording times, such sequential presentation would effect a“time lapse” illustration of any changes in the respective conditionsattributed to the individual regions. In various applications, suchcomparative, historical presentations may offer some educationalbenefit.

As another preferred feature, whether at the time of attributing certainconditions to selected regions or at the time of recalling a previouslydefined object, a mechanism is provided to reveal those specificcondition(s) assigned to any given region. As but one example, referenceis made to FIG. 6.

When a pointer 512 is positioned relative to a specific region (orselected group of regions), pop-up information 506 can includepreviously selected conditions as well as non-stored details, forexample, region boundaries, region positional values, normal conditions,and/or maximum-minimum value limits.

While the above description is directed to a basic system in accordancewith the present invention, the following discussion is intended todescribe such a system in the context of different operationalenvironments. Of course, the following embodiments are not intended tolimit the above description to only those few operational environmentsdescribed.

First Embodiment

The disclosed system has application in the field of chronic painmanagement. In particular, the system would enable a user toconsistently and effectively record at least subjective pain states.

Each data record corresponds to an individual patient. The “objects”include representations of the human body, and the “regions” aresub-regions of the bodily illustrations. Each record could contain oneobject or multiple objects. Importantly, common regions between likeobjects would maintain like designators (or region-specificcharacteristics).

Pain can substantially differ based on an orientation of the patient(e.g., standing, sitting). Possible objects for mapping are shown inFIG. 4, illustrating a posterior anatomical view of a human image in astanding position; FIG. 8, illustrating an anterior anatomical view of ahuman image in a prone position; and FIG. 9, illustrating sideanatomical views of a human image in a seated posture. In regard to FIG.9, given the two-dimensional orientation, it becomes necessary toprovide exploded views to enable each of the applicable regions to beaccessible for attributing values. While each of the above images isshown in two-dimensions, it is entirely appropriate that the user bepresented three-dimensional images. In the preparation of any suchthree-dimensional images, it may be necessary to combine two objects(e.g., an anterior view of a subject and a posterior view of thesubject).

The objects of FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, which appropriately illustrate only aportion of the total available regions, include a total of 164regions—each anterior and posterior view including 82 regions. Asdiscussed above, the number of regions is arbitrarily determined basedon the object, the substantive information to be conveyed/represented bythe regions, and the graphical manner used to convey relevant conditionsassignable to the regions. Accordingly, a balance must be made betweenhigh resolution, which increases the number of regional recordsassociated with each object and affects storage sizes and time overheadwhen handling, manipulating, or comparing such regional records, and lowresolution, which may “dilute” the value of the substantive informationto be conveyed/represented by an individual region (see FIG. 2).

For the present example, it has been found that 164 total regionsprovide sufficient resolution to enable any one region to beparticularly associated with particular spinal nervous tissue. Thisassociation improves the chances that an effective therapy or treatmentcan be identified and administered. Notwithstanding, the number ofregions should not be so excessive to hinder handling, manipulation, orcomparison operations.

The “conditions” used to define the nature of the pain attributed to aspecific region include: type, intensity, and depth. “Type” refers to aperceived character of the pain. “Intensity” refers to a perceiveddegree of pain. “Depth” refers to a perceived physical level of pain,i.e., surface to bone.

As it is intended that the attributes of any given region be readilydiscernable from only a visual inspection, the type, intensity, anddepth attributes are given independent visual characteristics. Forexample, and consistent with the illustrations of FIG. 4 and the screenshot of FIG. 6, “type” is evidenced by a texture or pattern, and“intensity” is communicated by a change in color (e.g., hue, shade,etc.) “Depth” can be illustrated by shadowing a subject region to createthe illusion a different physical level. FIG. 10 illustrates examples ofpatterns 200 and intensity coloration 202.

By providing each of the conditions with independent visualcharacteristics, the present invention can simultaneously convey each ofthe conditions attributed to any region. While the above discussionpresents various options for defining certain pain characteristics andvisually conveying such individual characteristics, one of ordinaryskill in the art shall appreciate that these are but one example. Tothis end, the specific feature (e.g., colorization, pattern, etc.) usedto convey a particular characteristic is not considered critical to thepresent invention. Rather, the present invention is more appropriatelyconcerned with the broader concept of associating multiple conditions toa single region (or group of regions) and providing a graphical vehicleso that at least two of such conditions can be visibly discernableconcurrently.

In the specific context of this embodiment, FIG. 11 illustrates oneexample of a database structure. Relationships between database tablesare designated by a “*”. This illustration further includesrepresentations of supporting links (or condition links) and objectioncondition fields.

As stated above, records for this embodiment are indexed in accordancewith individual patients. Each record includes patient information(patient table 302), physician information (physician table 304), andpain map information (painmaps table 306).

In particular reference to the painmaps table 306, each pain mapincludes data that associates it with a patient, and for verification,the patient's physician. For maintaining historical records, each painmap is preferably date stamped at the time of creation. The “position”entry corresponds to the specific nature of the subject object. Themapping data for the subject object is contributed by the position table308.

Each pain map further includes a plurality of fields that equallycorrespond to the number of available regions. In the illustratedexample, “AntMeas_Rgn1” corresponds to region 1 of an anterior view ofthe object, while “PosMeas_Rgn1” corresponds to region 1 of a posteriorview of such object. In accordance with the above discussion, eachregion is subject to receive condition values to particularly define anypain associated with that region. Accordingly, paindesc table 310,intensity table 312, and depth table 314 selectively function to assignrespective values to the individual regional designations of each painmap table.

As described above in the context of the basic system, global conditionscan be assigned to all regions of an object (Steps S11 and S12 of FIG.5). For one example of such a “global condition,” reference is now madeto FIG. 4.

Element 402 represents a time-of-day continuum. The left-most portion ofthe range represents early morning, and the right-most portion of therange represents night. By selecting a point along the continuum, avalue is further added to each of the regional fields corresponding to arelative time associated with such static pain descriptions. Whileoffering only one substantive example, it should be clear that a globalcondition could relate to either the patient's environment (e.g.,element 402) and/or an underlying physical condition of the patient.

Second Embodiment

While the first embodiment concerned mapping the entire human body, thesecond embodiment is more narrowly directed to the mapping of individualorgans, for example, the heart or the brain. The present invention wouldenable organs, as objects, to be mapped for purposes of assigningconditions to the individual regions thereof. Depending upon the object,conditions could relate to characterizing conditions of necrosis,encephalopathy, stroke, cancer progression, or the like.

Third Embodiment

Unlike the first and second embodiments, the concept of the thirdembodiment is drawn to applying the database structure of the presentinvention to a non-human subject for regional data association andpresentation. To this end, reference is made to FIG. 12.

The object, being a geographical body, is divided along natural boundarylines, i.e., county lines. The individual regions are capable ofrespectively receiving multiple conditions (e.g., population data,average income data, total rainfall data, average temperature data,etc.) that are specifically related to the individual regions. Moreover,in accordance with the present invention, each condition has associatedtherewith a unique graphical representation that is visually integratedinto the object so as to readily convey the conditions, if any,associated with a given region.

The structure and functionality of the present invention is generallyrelated to co-pending application Ser. No. ______, filed Jun. 5, 2000.

While the invention has been described herein relative to a number ofparticularized embodiments, it is understood that modifications of, andalternatives to, these embodiments, such modifications and alternativesrealizing the advantages and benefits of this invention, will beapparent those of ordinary skill in the art having reference to thisspecification and its drawings. It is contemplated that suchmodifications and alternatives are within the scope of this invention assubsequently claimed herein, and it is intended that the scope of thisinvention claimed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretationof the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled.

1. A graphical database comprising: an object storage portion to store apredetermined object representation; a mapping portion to extract theobject representation from the object storage portion and to graphicallysub-divide the object representation into a plurality of regions, eachregion representing a data-input field; a selection portion adapted toallow selection of at least one region of a sub-divided object image;and an attribute assignment portion to assign conditions to selectedregions, wherein the conditions include region-specific information,wherein each region is adapted to receive a plurality of conditions. 2.A graphical database in accordance with claim 1, wherein each conditionattributable to a selected region is graphically represented in adistinguishable manner.
 3. A graphical database in accordance with claim1, wherein the attribute assignment portion further effects of agraphical modification of any region subject to an assigned condition.4. A graphical database in accordance with claim 3, wherein depending ona condition assigned to a selected region, the attribute assignmentportion changes a color of the selected region.
 5. A graphical databasein accordance with claim 3, wherein depending on a condition assigned toa selected region, the attribute assignment portion applies a graphicalpattern to the selected region.
 6. A graphical database in accordancewith claim 3, wherein depending on a condition assigned to a selectedregion, the attribute assignment portion alters a dimensionalperspective of the selected region relative to the objectrepresentation.
 7. A graphical database in accordance with claim 1,wherein each region includes a unique designation.
 8. A graphicaldatabase in accordance with claim 1, wherein each region is static inposition and is independent of any overlapping regional boundaries ofany adjacent regions.
 9. A graphical database in accordance with claim1, further comprising a conversion portion to convert graphicalrepresentations of regions and any assigned conditions into anon-graphical information form for storage.
 10. A graphical database inaccordance with claim 9, wherein each region includes a uniquedesignation, and the non-graphical information of each convertedgraphical representation of regions and any assigned conditions areformed into data records that are indexed in accordance with the uniquedesignations.
 11. A graphical database in accordance with claim 10,further comprising a comparison mechanism to compare one objectrepresentation to another like object representation, wherein thecomparison mechanism is adapted to analyze data records for each objectrepresentation based on regional unique designations. 12.-19. (canceled)